Area April 7, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Budget cuts (continued from page 3) district employees are reassigned. Ferrara said one administrator and two special group instruction teachers will be reassigned to classroom positions, while other educators who hold multiple certifications will cover electives that are currently covered by an enrichment teacher. The changes, Ferrara said, will result in decreased program offerings for the district’s students. In particular, she noted that a music teacher’s position would be cut to part time. Two supervisory custodians will also be let go, and the position of building and grounds supervisor will be eliminated, Ferrara reported. Although the Ho-Ho-Kus Public School only houses students through grade eight, the superintendent noted that the proposed budget supports borough students through grade 12. Ho-Ho-Kus Public School graduates continue their education at Northern Highlands High School in Allendale. Ferrara called the budget fiscally responsible and stated that local property values remain high when a high-quality educational program is offered. Decreases in the 2010-11 budget include $230,688 less in regular instruction; $93,769 for plant operations; $85,805 for extra- and co-curricular activities, which includes cuts in sports programs, instrumental music, and band; $32,525 in administration; $134,441 in support services; and $56,206 for transportation, which includes the elimination of the late bus from Northern Highlands High School. Increases include $103,639 for benefits and $217,061 for regular education tuition. The debt service figure was requested, but was not available at press time. Due to ongoing fact-finding with the district’s teachers, the board of education was unable to provide specifics regarding any anticipated salary increases. In order to trim costs, the district withdrew from a shared service agreement with the Quad Districts for a curriculum coordinator, reduced three tenured classroom teachers from full time to 0.8 employment, eliminated district-funded professional development, and opted to use $50,000 from surplus. The superintendent pointed out that the school board worked to cut $1 million from the budget, $500,000 of which represents the salaries of people who will be leaving the district. The balance will be requested from the taxpayers. “We don’t have anywhere else to turn for the money,” Ferrara said. “It hurts to ask for more money…but I can’t cut anything else. If this doesn’t pass, there is nothing else to cut. Even what we have cut hurts very, very badly.” The budget will be submitted to the borough’s registered voters on April 20. Polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Valley physician honored Dr. Jacoby, a resident of Glen Rock, was selected for this award as a result of his efforts to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. In a letter to Dr. Jacoby announcing his selection for the award, Joseph Roth, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network, stated, “We are deeply grateful for your advocacy of donation with your professional colleagues, your collaboration in the donation process and the care you provide our donors and their families. Your compassion and expertise have touched the lives of not only the patients and families in your care, but also the lives of the recipients who received their precious gifts.” Dr. Jacoby will be honored by the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network at the organization’s Sixth Annual Circle of Life Celebration. The Circle of Life Gala recognizes medical professionals’ and hospitals’ direct impact on saving lives through donation. The gala will be held April 23 at Somerset Park in Somerset. Steven Jacoby, M.D The New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network has named Steven Jacoby, M.D., a pulmonary and critical care medicine specialist on staff at The Valley Hospital, as the recipient of the Physician Champion 2009 award. FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS The King Centre The Finest Education in the Arts “Locally Grown - Nationally Known Come Grow With Us” • Dedicated to teaching the love of dance in a healthy and positive environment. • Learn from a staff with amazing credentials including the Rockettes Broadway Shows: “Wicked”, “Sweet Charity”, “Movin’ Out”, 42nd Street, “Footloose”, the Joffrey Ballet & NYC Ballet, movies and so much more. 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